2009 begins with an exciting opportunity for Wafrica; a collaborative project with Odasho, one of the most respected Kimono creators in Japon. The combination of the prestige of Odasho, obtained through 150 years of experience in Kimono fabrication, combined with the enthusiasm of Serge Mouangue’s ongoing search to transform and reinvent aesthetic codes, holds great promise and possibility. Through the impact of the resulting creations, born of this common project between Wafrica and Odasho, one can imagine the reexamination of the aesthetic vision of a nation with relation to the use of its icons, values and identity. It also offers the possibility of questioning topics such as “What is Japanese aesthetic ….”

Serge Mouangue_Wafrica II

The future partners have been extremely encouraging in their response to Serge Mouangue, after having heard about the Wafrica project. They were both surprised and thoroughly impressed at the way in which the first Wafrica Kimonos communicated the spirit of the project so naturally; as though this variety of ancient motif and design was destined to merge. They have enthusiasm and a strong emotional connection to the new project. The reaction of the Japanese component, to this project, speaks volumes about the capacity of the Japanese culture to integrate and adopt innovation. Given the relationship of this project with such an integral Japanese icon, their reaction is nothing short of astounding! In the context of the financial crisis, Wafrica’s outsider position already offers a real alternative against a fall in confidence in more typical traditional approach.